Direct Oluyede To Flush Out Bandits In Gombe Communities, Reps Urge Tinubu

House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, direct the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to initiate a coordinated joint security operation and provide aerial surveillance and ground support to flush out bandits in some parts of Gombe State.

The House also wants their camps destroyed to avoid the recurring killings and other violent acts.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the chief whip of the House, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe) at plenary yesterday.

In the motion, Kumo recalled the recent attacks by bandits on Garin Galadima, Pindiga, Garin Jaji, Laro and other communities in the Akko local government area of Gombe state.

He informed that the attacks resulted in the killing of six innocent people, abduction of 20 persons currently being held hostage by the kidnappers, and destruction of properties, thereby causing widespread fear and displacement of citizens from their homes.

The lawmaker noted that these attacks have caused widespread destruction of properties, displacement of citizens, loss of livelihoods, fear and uncertainty within the communities.

He expressed worry that “these incidents are a stark reminder of the overwhelming threat to national security and a call to all security agencies to double their efforts in ensuring that they provide adequate protection to the citizens and their properties.

“If no stringent security measures are taken to safeguard the lives of our people in adherence with Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), particularly Section 14 (2) (8), which clearly states thus: that the set of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”

Adopting the motion, the House observed a minute’s silence in honour of those killed and urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Northeast Development Commission to immediately provide relief materials to the affected victims.

It also asked the Inspector-General of Police to immediately deploy Mobile Police Force Squadrons to maintain law and order and to form Such Squadrons in the affected communities.

The Green Chamber mandated its Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Defence, Army, Air Force, Police, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and furnish the House with a weekly report until the insecurity is brought under control.